new puppy nerves

Looking at it from a slightly different angle, when I was breeding I would never let a pup go to a home where all family members weren't equally keen and committed to having a puppy. Pups can be very hard work and I am with others who think you would be far better to get a slightly older dog .
 
ponyparty said:
Yep it will be hard without a secure yard, not impossible though. How will it be any easier without a yard, with an adult dog?
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With an adult dog, you can take them out for more frequent and longer walks if needed, whereas it is usually advised that a puppy doesn't do more than a certain amount of walking a day, depending on age.

The trouble is, it is not just down to the OP being determined, it is partly down to the OP's partner as well as they live together. If the pup causes problems such as howling when they are busy working in the pub, or soiling in their living area etc., then would he insist on the pup being rehomed?
 
TGM said:
The trouble is, it is not just down to the OP being determined, it is partly down to the OP's partner as well as they live together. If the pup causes problems such as howling when they are busy working in the pub, or soiling in their living area etc., then would he insist on the pup being rehomed?
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This sort of issue could equally apply to an adult rescue/rehomed dog too; all too often they have separation anxiety issues that need to be fixed by their new owner. But yeah, of course it is also down to her OH. OP knows best how her OH will react to this sort of thing though.
 
ponyparty said:
This sort of issue could equally apply to an adult rescue/rehomed dog too; all too often they have separation anxiety issues that need to be fixed by their new owner. But yeah, of course it is also down to her OH. OP knows best how her OH will react to this sort of thing though.
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I quite agree that whatever dog the OP gets she needs to be very careful that it suits her circumstances. If getting a rescue, I would advise going through a rescue that puts their dogs in foster homes so they can be probably assessed for suitability. However, it is a given that ANY pup demands a lot of time and attention in the first few weeks, whereas you can find adult dogs that don't need so much.

I might sound rather negative but I have seen so many dogs and puppies (particularly puppies) being given up because people have under-estimated the demands they put on your time, or because a partner won't tolerate the destructiveness, noise and mess that can result from a pup or dog that is not given the time and attention they need. I've had dogs for years, but still under-estimated how much attention a new puppy would need! We can try and tell the OP exactly what to expect when you have a pup, but only she can make the decision based on what time she knows she will have available. But she sounds like she is being very sensible and taking on board all the comments and not letting her heart rule her head. :)
 
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Hi little update.been talking to my partner a lot today about all this and we dont see being in the pub trade a long term thing as no work/life balance, so going to wait till we are in a better position to do the puppy/dog thing..little bit worried about the breeders reaction but think she will want whats best for the puppy as i do..i havent got the heart to take him and then everything i am worried about happen and i can avoid all that by putting my hands up and saying okay..i am not in an ideal situation to do this now.

I do appreciate every ones input,its what i wanted. a completely unbiased opinion,thank you.
 
Well done OP, not for deciding not to go ahead, but for making an informed decision of your own based on the replies to the question you asked.
Hope you eventually get your dream dog and we are all still here on the forum to ooh and ah over pictures. Good luck.
 
If the breeder is a good one whose main concern is the long-term happiness and well-being of her pups, then she should admire your honesty and be content you have taken this dog owning lark very seriously.

Sounds like a good plan for your future too.
 
You sound like a very sensible person OP, and I am sure when you do get a dog or puppy you will be a fantastic owner! As WorkingGSD has said, if the breeder is a genuine one then firstly they should understand your decision and secondly they should easily be able to find another good home for the pup.
 
I think you've been wise at listening to your gut and asking for advice. you will be a great pup owner at some point :) I now it must be disappointing too-hope all goes well with the breeder.
 
Clodagh said:
Jacks can be dog agressive, they are difficult to toilet train, the hunt, dig holes and go to ground. Terriers, who'd have 'em. :-)
In your situation, I would look for a young dog with some life skills. You always see on FB half grown pups not wanted any more, let someone else do the hardest bit.
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The trouble is, with those advertised dogs, that someone else got fed up of the dog because they couldn't be bothered to do the hard part!
I agree that JRTs are difficult to house train.

OP, if you could have a crate for the pup, near the door of your pub and take him out from there, rather than leave him upstairs, I think you could make it work. I would get 2 pups tbh, so that they can play together but of course, that will mean 2 to house train :D.
 
Have to say for all those recommending 'easier' older dogs- I actually find that puppies are much easier as they have no bad habits.. young adult or older dogs have normally been allowed to get away with murder so need firmer, more experienced handling.
I'd far rather have a 'temporarily annoying' puppy!
 
And definitely don't get two pups! Two means more than double the work training them separately so they don't just bond with each other and never bond with the humans properly!
 
Pearlsasinger said:
The trouble is, with those advertised dogs, that someone else got fed up of the dog because they couldn't be bothered to do the hard part!
I agree that JRTs are difficult to house train.

OP, if you could have a crate for the pup, near the door of your pub and take him out from there, rather than leave him upstairs, I think you could make it work. I would get 2 pups tbh, so that they can play together but of course, that will mean 2 to house train :D.
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On the plus side of that, you get on the gundog forums dogs that trainers have run on and are selling the not so good one, still a fantastic pet but maybe not top field trial material.
 
Fair play OP, sounds like a sensible decision. Think only you know, deep down, whether it can work with your lifestyle. You'll get one, one day, when you're in a better position! :)
 
SusieT said:
And definitely don't get two pups! Two means more than double the work training them separately so they don't just bond with each other and never bond with the humans properly!
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I have had many pairs of pups and have never had any problems with them not "bonding" (whatever that means) with the humans. For a while we had 3 pairs (including 2x JRTs) and a single rescue dog, with no issues whatsoever. We have brought addional singles into established groups and brought pairs of pups into established groups, I have never understood the thinking g about not having 2 pups together.
It was noticeable when we got 2_Rottweiler pups after a break that they didn't speak English and we had to teach them, which in the past the established dogs had done. However, they soon picked it up and are 2 of the cleverest dogs we have ever had.
 
Clodagh said:
On the plus side of that, you get on the gundog forums dogs that trainers have run on and are selling the not so good one, still a fantastic pet but maybe not top field trial material.
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My first FTCh was a top triallers cast off at 6 months. It's a great way for an amateur to get a well bred dog at a more reasonable cost
 
druid said:
My first FTCh was a top triallers cast off at 6 months. It's a great way for an amateur to get a well bred dog at a more reasonable cost
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Having said what I did, and i agree with you, trialling dogs might be a bit much in a pet home?
 
Clodagh said:
Having said what I did, and i agree with you, trialling dogs might be a bit much in a pet home?
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It depends on the home and if they have a job for it! If someone is looking for an agility/flyball dog or similar trialling dogs can be a great choice
 
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